Some "new" Sgt York questions

[Guamsst]

After being offered explemanations I never asked for about the 03/1917 Sgt York rifle debate and eventually giving in to curiousity so I would have something to tell people who feel compelled to give me info I didn't ask for, I ended up with some questions of my own which I have not seen answered or couldn't find answers for.

#1 It is well known and documented that his unit traded in their rifles for "British" Rifles. But who said they were SMLE's? Couldn't they have been P-14 rifles which were near identical to the 1917 except for caliber and rear sight grading?

#2 I have been repeatedly told that Sgt Yorks 1903 he used that day was stolen on the return trip home and the serial number is known and lots of folks are out looking for it. #2a.) If the serial number of the rifle is known how can there be a debate? #2b.) If this is true how and where did they get this serial number from?

#3 Supposedly Sgt Yorks rifle now resides on display at the University of Middle Tennessee (I think thats the right university) If so, why is there still a debate and how did they confirm this was his rifle?

Personally, unless it is proven he used a SMLE I don't care at all. But it seems you can't look at an 03 or 03A3 without having to hear about how Sgt. York killed a million billion Huns. So, if I knew for certain or atleast know what isn't true maybe I can pass some correct info on or stop some BS from spreading. But I would prefer to have a clue before engaging in debate with someone who has been fed the same line for 60yrs.

[JB White]

In regard to #1, the M1917 was often called the British rifle almost as much as it was called an Enfield. Just slang to differentiate betwen the American rifle or Springfield. Yes, I know the first units over were teamed with the British and were issued SMLE's for logistical reasons. That doesn't mean York had an SMLE in hand when he did his deeds.

[John Sukey]

Well, it is a fact that York's unit was issued M1917's

Now as for the SMLE's, American troops were initialy brigaded with British ones to train them in trench warfare, and to simplfy ammunition supply, they were given SMLE's. However once that phase ended, American rifles were re-issued. Except for the Black troops who were put in the line wth the French and were issued French equipment.

[Marine A5 Sniper]

There is an article in an early AR that discusses this issue, and the jist of the story was that the first time the subject came up was when the movie came out. They used a Springfield in the movie, and people just naturally assumed the rifle used by York was like the one in the movie. The article states without reservation that York used a 1917. I have heard all the stories about what his son has said, but his son said a lot of things. The man used a 1917 - period.

His rifle was lost, but the serial number is not known, but the serial number of his 45 is known. The serial number of his rifle should be in his personnel file. His original rifle is NOT in any museum, no matter what you read or they claim. I have never understood the controversy myself.

jt

[Liam]

I do enjoy a good controversy!

[joem]

He may have kept his issued rifle and shipped it home rather than turn it in.

[Embalmer]

Lol on the m1a in bottom pic

[JB White]

He captured that one.

[Marine A5 Sniper]

He may have kept his issued rifle and shipped it home rather than turn it in.

How would one ship a rifle home from a war zone? They put you in jail for that.

The Army shipped him and his rifle home for war bond speeches. His rifle was stolen enroute.

jt

[Guamsst]

Been trying to do interweb searches for the University gun and keep getting totally unrelated articles or references from random people on blogs with no proof of anything. One page which lead nowhere said his pistol was at the University which seems more plausible. Will update if I ever come across any actual facts..LOL

Until then, please stick to the questions in the OP as this horse has been beat to death and made into a sofa and is still getting beaten to death. I don't intend to rekindle the same old argument but I do know it's hard to avoid.